Tab 06 BNJ Redacted.pdf
PDF 120 KB Posted
- Attached to
- DELTA Q Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer Federal contract opportunity
- Solicitation number
- 80NSSC26936581Q
About this file
This is a NASA Shared Services Center Recommendation and Determination to Solicit from One Source or Brand Name, dated June 15, 2026. The document justifies a brand name procurement for a Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Delta Q Mass Spectrometer with an estimated lead time of 8 weeks after receipt of order (ARO).
The NASA Planetary Environments Laboratory requires the Delta Q IRMS to ensure compatibility with approximately $450,000 in existing Thermo Fisher Scientific peripheral equipment and software systems currently in use, including the ConFlo IV universal interface, GasBench II, GC Isolink, Flash EA, and the proprietary Isodat/Qtegra software suite. These specialized systems are physically and electronically designed to connect only with Thermo Scientific IRMS core systems through proprietary communication protocols and pin configurations. The procurement justification identifies that alternative mass spectrometers from competitors such as Elementar or Nu Instruments cannot operate with Thermo Fisher's proprietary software and cannot integrate with existing sample introduction hardware without extensive unsupported third-party engineering modifications. Selecting an alternative vendor would require complete replacement of all peripheral hardware and software at an estimated cost of approximately $450,000 and would cause a disruption of 6 to 12 months, potentially delaying time-sensitive mission support and research initiatives. The Thermo Fisher Scientific Delta Q IRMS is presented as a direct, drop-in replacement ensuring immediate interoperability with the laboratory's existing infrastructure. The document is signed by a Space Research Scientist from the Planetary Environments Laboratory.
View the file
Other files for this federal contract opportunity
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Tab 04 SOW.pdf | ||
| Tab 10 RFQ 80NSSC26936581Q.pdf |
On GovTribe
Work with this file on GovTribe
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Page 1 V2.0 3-15-2017
NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
NASA SHARED SERVICES CENTER
RECOMMENDATION AND DETERMINATION TO SOLICIT FROM ONE SOURCE
OR BRAND NAME
PICK ONE
Sole Source:
☐I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate with Vendor Name only for Enter Supply or Service to be procured. The total estimated cost of this effort is $ and the estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is Date.
OR
Brand Name Justification:
☒I recommend that NASA, NASA Shared Services Center negotiate only with vendors who can provide the subject band name from Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. for Delta Q Mass Spectrometer. The estimated period of performance or lead-time for delivery is 8 weeks ARO.
This recommendation is for the acquisition of supplies or services determined to be reasonably available from only one source/only one manufacture. Competition is impractical for the following reasons (please answer the questions below):
1. What are the reasons for soliciting only the suggested source/suggested brand name? Please provide the unique characteristics of the items or services along with the supporting rationale and the market research performed to substantiate your reason for the suggested source/brand name.
The procurement of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Delta Q IRMS is essential to ensure full compatibility and seamless interoperability with the laboratory's current Thermo Fisher Scientific hardware and software systems. The laboratory presently utilizes Thermo Fisher sample preparation and introduction peripherals, including the ConFlo IV universal interface, GasBench II, GC Isolink, Flash EA, and related equipment, as well as the proprietary Isodat/Qtegra software suite. These existing peripherals are highly specialized, high-value assets (approximately $450,000) that are designed to connect physically and electronically only with Thermo Scientific IRMS core systems through proprietary communication protocols and pin configurations.
2. What is the impact to the government if another vendor/brand is used? Include any dollar, schedule, or compatibility impacts if possible.
Introducing a mass spectrometer from a different manufacturer, such as Elementar or Nu Instruments, would pose significant compatibility challenges. These competitor instruments cannot be operated using Thermo Fisher Scientific’s proprietary software, nor can they seamlessly integrate with Thermo’s sample introduction hardware without extensive, unsupported third-party engineering modifications. Selecting an alternative vendor would require the complete replacement of all existing peripheral hardware and software, resulting in estimated costs of approximately $450,000. Additionally, this transition could cause a disruption of 6 to 12 months, potentially delaying ongoing, time-sensitive mission support and research initiatives while new workflows are developed. Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Delta Q IRMS is uniquely designed as a direct, drop-in replacement and upgrade, ensuring immediate interoperability with our existing infrastructure.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
Page 2 V2.0 3-15-2017
__________________________________ 6/15/2026
Technical User Name Date
Space Research Scientist Title Planetary Environments Laboratory Office
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .